Nectarine tree (Tasty-Gold)

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is of large size, vigorous upright growth and the tree being a productive, regular bearer of large, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with a high degree of red skin color. The fruit is further characterized by its ability to hold firm on the tree after maturity (shipping ripe) for a period of 10 to 14 days; the maturity period being 3 to 4 days before Fibebrite Nectarine (non-patented).

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new variety of nectarine tree was originated by me in myexperimental orchard near Modesto, Calif. as a second generationseedling of a cross between Rub Gold Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.3,101) and a peach seedling that originated from a cross between EarlySun Grand Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420) and Royal Gold Peach(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,663).

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The present variety was asexually reproduced by budding as performed inmy experimental orchard at Modesto, Calif., shows that saidcharacteristics come true to form and are established and transmittedthrough succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present discovery relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarinetree; its novelty consists of the following unique features which areoutstanding in the new variety;

1. The large size of the fruit.

2. Coloring of the fruit two to three weeks before maturity.

3. The ability of the fruit to stay firm on the tree 10 to 14 days aftermaturity (shipping ripe).

4. The excellent shipping and storage ability of the fruit.

5. Having fruit with a high degree of desirable red skin color.

6. The excellent eating quality of the fruit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the fruit andfoliage of my new nectarine variety. The upper and lower surface of thefoliage being illustrated, the exterior and a fruit being divided on itssuture plane to reveal flesh coloration and showing a stone remaining inplace. The photographs were taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as reasonably possible in colorrepresentations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of the foliage and fruit of mynew nectarine variety, as based upon observations of specimens grown inModesto, Calif., with color terminology (except those in common terms)in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H.Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Shape.--Usually pruned to vase shape.

Production.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to stocky.

Texture.--Shaggy.

Branches:

Size.--Medium stocky.

Texture.--Smooth to medium rough.

Lenticels.--Medium size. Medium number.

Color.--New growth -- Reddish brown. Old growth -- Brown to grayishbrown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 73/8". Average width -- 3/4".

Texture.--Smooth.

Petiole.--Medium length.

Form.--Lanceolate.Acutely pointed.

Margin.--Crenate.

Glands.--Large -- reniform. Number varies 2 to 6. Average number 4.

Color.--Upper surface -- Deep green (28-F-7) to (28-F-8). Lower surface-- Grayish green (28-D-5) to (28-E-5).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Length.--Medium.

Flower:

Size.--Large -- showy.

Pollen.--Present.

Color.--Pink.

Blooming period.--Feb. 27, 1980 to Mar. 9, 1980.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Hard ripe.

Date of first picking.--July 3, 1980.

Date of last picking.--July 10, 1980.

Size.--Large. Average diameter axially -- 25/8" to 31/4". Averagetransversely in suture plane -- 2 7/16" to 3".

Form.--Globose -- Slightly flattened at stem end.

Suture.--Shallow -- extends from base to apex.

Cavity.--Rounded. Average depth -- 7/16" to 1/2". Average breadth -- 1"to 11/8".

Apex.--Varies from retuse to very slight pistil point.

Flesh

Color.--Dark yellow (4-A-8) to cadmium orange (5-A-7). Area near stoneand surface of pit cavity red (9-B-8) with yellow fibers.

Juice.--Moderate.

Texture.--Firm, meaty.

Ripens.--Even.

Flavor.--Sub-acid to mild.

Aroma.--Very little.

Eating quality.--Excellent.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Tough -- Tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Color.--Yellow ground color -- (4-A-7) to (4-A-8) almost entirelyoverspread with red (9-A-8) to (10-A-8).

Stone:

Type.--Freestone.

Size.--Medium to large. Average length -- 1 5/8". Average width -- 11/16". Average thickness -- 5/8".

Form.--Obovate.

Base.--Oblique.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Sides.--Nearly equal.

Surface.--Irregularly furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base.

Color.--Brown (7-E-7) to (7-E-8).

Tendency to split.--Very slight.

Use: Dessert. Market, local and long distance shipping.

Keeping quality: Excellent.

Shipping quality: Excellent.

The nectarine tree and its fruit herein described may vary in slightdetail due to climatic and soil conditions under which the variety maybe grown. The description is that of the variety produced underecological conditions prevailing at Modesto, Calif.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, as illustratedand described, which is a regular and productive bearer of large, yellowflesh, freestone fruit with excellent eating quality and maturing 3 to 4days earlier than Firebrite Nectarine (non-patent); the fruit is furthercharacterized by coloring two to three weeks before maturity, havingexcellent shipping and storage quality and having the ability to holdfirm on the tree 10 to 14 days after maturity (shipping ripe).